VIP

noun

ˌvē-ˌī-ˈpē 

plural VIPs ˌvē-ˌī-ˈpēz 

: a person of great influence or prestige

especially : a high official with special privileges

Synonyms

• cause célèbre
• cause celebre
• celeb
• celebrity
• figure
• icon
• ikon
• light
• luminary
• megastar
• name
• notability
• notable
• notoriety
• personage
• personality
• somebody
• standout
• star
• superstar

Example Sentences

I was treated like a VIP at the reception.

the VIPs insisted on being seated in the restaurant's private dining room

Word History

Etymology

very important person

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

VIP

noun

ˌvē-ˌī-ˈpē 

plural VIPs -ˈpēz 

: a person of great importance or fame

Etymology

from very important person

Medical Definition

VIP

abbreviation

vasoactive intestinal peptide; vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

Although hypokalemia and acidosis are classically associated with secretion of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) by a neuroendocrine tumor, electrolyte abnormalities occur in other forms of chronic diarrhea.

—Roger Kapoor et al., The New England Journal of Medicine